Strictly, the Taiwan Relations act of 1979 does not compel America to come to Taiwan's aid.

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The Taiwan Relations Act essentially requires the United States to sell Taipei what it needs to do so.

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But the TSEA, if passed, would alter in a small but significant way the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act.

CNN: A Rogue Vote On Taiwan

And our policy towards Taiwan is based on the Taiwan Relations Act, and there is no change in that.

WHITEHOUSE: Via Telephone

We think that our policy and the Taiwan Relations Act supports an environment that is conducive to the improved relations across the Taiwan Strait and that at the same time U.S.-China relations will continue to flourish.

WHITEHOUSE: Via Telephone

If Congress truly has the best interest of Taiwan at heart, it could consider taking a less overt route: Continue to support the sale of defensive weapons to Taiwan as specified under the Taiwan Relations Act, but stop using Taiwan as a political football in its efforts to discredit U.S. policy toward China.

CNN: A Rogue Vote On Taiwan